Cager Klarxon’s Loading… is a jarring, visceral debut that strips the glossy veneer off influencer culture and dissects it to the bone and sometimes quite literally. This novella dives headfirst into the world of Marshall, a sex worker who becomes an unwilling subject of what most influencers are chasing: virality—but in a deeply horrific form.
Marshall isn’t your typical horror protagonist. He’s already emotionally numb from the nature of his work, even before the real nightmare begins. Klarxon uses this detachment to powerful effect as Marshall’s body is overtaken by a foreign presence and broadcast live to millions. What’s wild is that it stops being about the horror shown on screen—and becomes more about what it says about us as a society.
The novella shines most when it leans into its body horror roots. Klarxon taps into our obsession with digital fame, online identity, and how we consume it until it seeps into our real lives.
The pacing feels rushed, especially near the end, but somehow it works. The story feels like it needed that momentum—though at the same time, you’re left wanting more. If you know, you know.
Loading… isn’t for everyone. It’s chaotic, disturbing, and very experimental but I admire the boldness and imagination Klarxon brings in tackling these themes and asking uncomfortable questions about the world we’re living in now: a global culture of clout chasers. If you’re into speculative and weird horror stories, this is definitely one to check out—before it goes viral.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Publication Date: October 14, 2025 Publisher: Surrender Point Press
Thanks to NetGalley and Surrender Point Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
I finally got to read the third book in the Escaping the Reich series by Marion Kummerow, which I had been really looking forward to after reading the first two books. Perilous Journey to Freedom is a gripping and evocative tale set during the harrowing days of WWII, capturing the immense desperation and unwavering courage of those fleeing Nazi persecution. Although this is Book 3 in the Escaping the Reich series, it can be read as a standalone, offering a powerful narrative of survival, trust, and countless sacrifices.
The story centers on Astrid, a young Jewish woman in Munich whose life takes a dangerous turn when she is accused of defying the Nazi regime’s laws. With the Gestapo closing in, her only chance of survival is to flee to Switzerland. There, she meets Bärbel, a medical student with ties to the White Rose resistance group, and Felix, a mysterious smuggler with deep knowledge of the Alpine trails, all of whom play pivotal roles in her perilous journey to freedom.
I love how Kummerow excels at writing vivid, immersive scenes that transport readers to the unforgiving terrain of the Alps. You can really feel the tension in the cold, and the constant fear for their lives.
The dynamic between the three characters—Astrid, Bärbel, and Felix—evolves throughout the novel. There’s always tension, even though they can only depend on each other.
This novel was better paced than the last one in the series, especially in the second half, which kept me on the edge of my seat, particularly during the Nazi patrol scenes.
I do feel, however, that some of the plot elements, especially the backstories of the characters, were a bit underdeveloped. A little more exploration of their pasts could have added more emotional depth to the story.
While this third book isn’t exactly groundbreaking compared to other WWII stories, it is a beautiful tribute to the courage and resilience of the survivors of the Nazi regime and those who helped them. Their bravery and selflessness offer a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, goodness can still be found.
For fans of historical fiction and those who have followed this series, Perilous Journey to Freedom is a great read that will leave a lasting impression. As I mentioned earlier, it works as a standalone, but reading the first two books will provide more context. I highly recommend this one!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Publication Date: October 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
About the Author Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime. It’s a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
Shivers & Thrills is a gothic, whimsical read that blends spooky aesthetics and heartfelt storytelling in a wildly fun and original world. A.C. Harrah crafts a playful, offbeat romance filled with oddball creatures, macabre humor, and surprisingly tender moments. While it may not be for everyone, it’s certainly a story that marches to the beat of its own (undead) drum.
At the center of the story is the vampire Vittore, the self-proclaimed “Prince of Thrills,” whose fading ability to frighten humans sets him on a chaotic journey of reinvention. Trying to reclaim his scary edge unravels into something meaningful (and strangely adorable) when he marries an animated corpse with dry humor and a mysterious past.
Love this world created by the author, which is a bit Tim Burton-ish, but the uniqueness is still there with its unpredictability and imagination. I loved that you can really imagine everything, even if what’s happening in the story can get a bit chaotic, lol.
That being said, while the book’s core romance is layered with personal growth and themes of identity, there are some interactions that feel a bit manipulative between the characters, which may be a bit off-putting to some. Another issue I have, despite the wonderful and creative world-building, is the lack of physical description for some of the characters.
Other than that, I think Shivers & Thrills is a positively giddy and awesome read! It is comedy with a heart, exploring love, jealousy, and the desire to be accepted and understood in their own world. If you like monster-filled romances and stories that are silly but sincere, then this one is definitely for you! It is also a good read this Halloween, so watch out for this one!
3.5 out of 5 stars Publication Date: October 08, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and A.C. Harrah for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
About the Author A.C. Harrah is the author of “Turning Curse,” a young adult novel about a prince cursed by his best friend into being an animal.
Due to her love of writing, A.C. tends to chain herself to her computer, but when she does sneak out it’s usually to frolic on the beach or see the latest super hero movie. Oh, and travel. She would happily live out of a backpack if it meant exploring the world.
Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani is a compelling and tender exploration of family, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel follows Norma, a seasoned fashion designer, reflecting on her past and grappling with her strained relationship with her son, Kevin, after a life-altering car accident.
I think one of the book’s standout elements for me is its rich character development, particularly Norma, who is a no-nonsense protagonist that defies typical aging stereotypes. I adore the bond she has with her sister, which adds an enjoyable touch to the narrative, and their friendships in the story are definitely one of the best parts of the book. The portrayal of Norma and her sister Julie, as older characters, is a refreshing take compared to similar characters in other books.
I really enjoyed and applaud the author’s decision to use multiple points of view, as it adds more layers to the storytelling. It’s not my favorite narrative device when reading a book, but when done right, it really works. It provides us with broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of the complex characters, allowing us to see their motivations clearly. This approach, I think, is one of the strengths of the book, although it may confuse some at first. However, once you get further into the pages, everything starts to make sense.
The “Blue Hour,” which represents transition, reflection, and vulnerability, was beautifully woven throughout the book and added depth to its narrative.
That said, I do have to mention that pacing was my main issue, as it only picks up after several chapters. This is a character-driven story, and the slow build can be a bit frustrating at times. It’s like when you’re watching a telenovela and the producers are trying to throw in a lot of curveballs to stretch the story. The backstory between Norma and Kevin feels underdeveloped for me, leaving gaps in terms of emotional weight in their relationship. I wished the author had explored the aftermath of key events between them more fully.
Overall, I believe Norma and the Blue Hour will resonate with readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories because it certainly resonated with me. The themes of forgiveness, family, and remembering the beauty of life itself make it a wonderful read altogether. The book isn’t flawless, but it lingers with me after finishing it. It has heart, and the characters make it an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Publisher: Solid Oaktown Books Publication Date: November 13, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Solid Oaktown Booksfor the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
About the Author Chris Delyani was born in September 1968 and was raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In 1993 he moved to San Francisco to devote himself to writing fiction and has been at it ever since. He now lives in Oakland with his husband, Dan Moore. You Are Here is his second novel; his first is The Love Thing (2009).
His literary career began at the age of five (possibly earlier) when he started driving his family crazy by writing in the air with a milk straw. (He’s reasonably sure he would have driven them crazy even if he didn’t write in the air with a milk straw.) Approximately twenty years later, he copied out F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in longhand just to know what it felt like. Both of these events are detailed in his essay, “The First Straw.”
Chris is a member of The Next Big Writer, a fiction-sharing website where he writes under the pen name “Cecil Roebuck,” a name he randomly pulled from The Great Gatsby.
“Since I don’t want my birthday celebrated, that’s less work for you. That’ll give you more time to do—whatever it is you do around here.” – Andrew, Office Sourpuss, The Love Thing
The Secrets Between Us is a domestic thriller that starts with a seemingly innocent photo that quickly spirals into a suspense-filled unraveling of a series of secrets, lies, and betrayals. It is a fast-paced read that kept me turning page after page until the end.
At the center of the story is Amy Taylor, a meticulous handbag repair shop owner who believes she has the perfect life with a loving husband, a wonderful son, and a comfortable suburban lifestyle. But everything changes when she discovers a school photo in her husband’s dry cleaning of a boy that looks exactly like her son, only it isn’t. What begins as a nagging suspicion turns into a manic 72-hour race to uncover the truth before her husband, Craig, returns from a business trip. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, the author throws in another curveball.
I absolutely love the pacing of the story. The short chapters and countdown structure give it a sense of urgency, and as Amy’s investigation takes some increasingly wild turns, a few plot points stretch believability and some secondary characters feel a little flat, but the central mystery remains compelling throughout. Amy is an easy character to root for even though she loves to jump to conclusions too quickly.
I thought the twists at the latter part of the story verge on the over-the-top; it’s very evident that Michaels knows how to craft suspense. The psychological element is there, especially when it comes to trust and perception.
If you love a good domestic thriller with high stakes, fast pacing, and shocking reveals, The Secrets Between Us is worth your time. It is not perfect, but it’s definitely entertaining—and the ending will leave you questioning how well you really know the people closest to you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
Cyan Michaels’ first psychological thriller with Inkubator Books, The Secrets Between Us, will be published on October 12, 2025.
Kelly Marks’ debut novel, The Past That Made Us, is an emotionally rich and beautifully written exploration of grief, healing, and second chances. The story follows Millie Carpenter, a woman whose life is upended by a cancer diagnosis, forcing her to confront the past she’s spent years trying to forget. This novel is a heartfelt journey through raw emotions, tangled relationships, and the sometimes painful but necessary act of confronting our history in order to move forward.
Millie is a driven, career-focused accountant who has built her life around the walls she’s put up to protect herself from childhood trauma and a fractured relationship with her parents. But when she’s diagnosed with cancer, she finds herself faced with the very people she’s avoided for years—her estranged mother and the man she once loved. As Millie’s strength dwindles from chemotherapy, memories she’s buried for years resurface, forcing her to reevaluate the choices that led her to isolate herself from those she cares about.
Returning to St. Bell, Maine, the seaside town where her troubled past began, Millie must face the unresolved pain and grief tied to her family and the community she’s spent so much time running from. Complicating matters further is the return of her first love, a golden boy turned lobsterman who disappeared when she needed him most. As Millie reluctantly opens her heart to the support she’s been avoiding, she begins to uncover the possibility for healing, forgiveness, and maybe even a second chance at love. But can she truly let go of the past and embrace what lies ahead?
Marks has crafted a compelling story that pulls you in from the very first page. The writing is descriptive and emotionally charged, bringing the characters to life in a way that makes their struggles and growth feel incredibly real. Millie’s inner turmoil is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and watching her navigate this chapter of her life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The book beautifully explores the complexity of second-chance romance, showing that sometimes it’s not just about reigniting old flames but also about understanding, forgiveness, and healing.
The emotional depth of Millie’s journey will keep readers hooked, as you’ll find yourself empathizing with her pain, rooting for her happiness, and feeling the weight of the tough decisions she must make. With fully developed characters and a story that feels both raw and relatable, The Past That Made Us is a book you won’t easily forget. Whether you’re drawn to emotional stories, second-chance romances, or tales of personal growth, this novel offers all of that and more.
In the end, Kelly Marks has delivered a stunning debut that will resonate with anyone who’s had to come to terms with their past and find the courage to heal, love, and move forward. This is a book you won’t want to miss, and it will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Highly recommended for fans of emotionally driven, character-centric novels and second-chance romances.
4 out of 5 stars
About the Author Kelly Marks worked as a nurse for ten years before settling into the somehow more demanding job of raising her kids. Born in Canada, but primarily raised in Texas, she calls herself a “Texas-Canadian.” She dreams of one day living on the ocean where she pictures writing novels to the background sounds of crashing waves. For now, she lives with her wonderful family in Houston, TX. The Past That Made Us is her debut novel. To learn more about Kelly or become great reader friends, check out http://www.kellymarksbooks.com.
Glenn Cooper’s Pinhole kicks off the Down trilogy with a strange mix of science fiction, historical intrigue, and a thrilling adventure in a bizarre alternate reality. It’s a wild ride, but not without its bumps along the way. Here’s a closer look at what works, and what doesn’t, in this captivating yet imperfect first entry in the series.
The story begins with Emily Loughty, a brilliant research director at the world’s largest super-collider, which spans beneath London. During a high-stakes experiment to test the collider’s capabilities, something goes wrong. A fellow researcher overrides the safety protocols, and when the collider reaches its maximum capacity, the fabric between universes is torn. Emily disappears, replaced by a man who died centuries before. As it turns out, they’ve swapped places, and the man’s appearance in the lab wreaks havoc.
Enter John Camp, Emily’s boyfriend, who is determined to find and rescue her, despite their last interaction being on bad terms. His search takes him into the Down, a hellish alternate world where historical figures and twisted fates await.
The book’s pacing is a standout. While the beginning feels a little slow, especially with some of the dense scientific explanations, once the action picks up, the suspense is relentless. The Down is a fascinating creation, full of bleak, medieval imagery that ties into the book’s Dante-esque inspirations. The world-building is effective, even if it leans a bit too heavily on the historical elements.
Cooper’s choice to populate the Down with figures from history that are both notorious and lesser-known—is an intriguing idea, and it keeps the reader engaged. The fact that some of these figures are trapped in this grim parallel universe and offer explanations for their presence provides a unique historical twist to the narrative. However, these sections sometimes feel excessive, bogging down the pace with lengthy backstories and discussions that may be a bit too heavy-handed for some readers. It’s as though the author assumes readers are unfamiliar with these historical figures, which detracts from the overall flow.
The characters themselves, especially Emily and John, are relatable and endearing. Emily’s sudden disappearance and the mystery surrounding her fate create a strong emotional pull. John’s determination to rescue her, despite their fractured relationship, gives the story depth. Cooper’s portrayal of their evolving dynamics adds layers to the plot, and the tension between them keeps things engaging, even as the action sometimes feels secondary to their emotional journey.
The imaginative nature of the Down is a major highlight. It’s a world that feels both familiar and utterly strange, with a gothic, medieval atmosphere that sets it apart from other parallel universe settings. The cliffhanger ending is effective in leaving readers eager to dive into the next book in the series.
That said, there are a few drawbacks. The novel occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in sections where too much time is spent on explanations about the historical figures in the Down. While this concept is intriguing, some readers might find it a bit overdone. Furthermore, the book’s balance between action and introspection feels off at times, as the narrative sometimes lingers too long in one place or idea before moving forward.
Pinhole is an ambitious beginning to a trilogy that mixes science fiction with historical fantasy in a unique and entertaining way. The tension, character development, and imaginative world-building make it a compelling read, though it’s not without its flaws. The slow start, heavy historical exposition, and occasional pacing issues can detract from the overall enjoyment. That said, the cliffhanger is enough to ensure that I’ll be picking up Down: Portal to see where the story goes next.
If you enjoy mind-bending science fiction with historical twists and an intriguing, if imperfect, alternate universe, Pinhole might be just what you’re looking for. It won’t be for everyone, but it has enough going for it to be worth the ride.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I received this ebook at no charge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review provided by Book Whisperer.
I’ve had this book on my e-reader for quite some time, and I even wrote a review for it back in 2021. However, I recently realized that I forgot to publish it on my blog. I only discovered this oversight when I was reviewing my drafts. My apologies to M.B. Henry, sorry for the very long delay.
The story of All The Lights Above Us unfolds in the days leading up to D-Day, told through the perspectives of five different women. Mildred, a renowned radio personality in Berlin, shares her experiences. Theda, a 26-year-old nurse with the Voluntary Aid Detachment in Portsmouth, England, seeks independence above all else. Adelaide, residing in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, is a devoted mother on a desperate search for her daughter and granddaughter amidst the chaos of war. In Caen, France, occupied by Germans, Flora works as a messenger for the Resistance. Meanwhile, Emilia, also in Caen, works as a German typist for the highest Gestapo/intelligence office, navigating the complexities of her role.
I adored the characters in this book! Each of them possessed distinct personalities, complete with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, I found them relatable because they grappled with choices that resonated with the things we are facing today.
While I appreciated the various viewpoints on the pivotal day of WWII, I found the storytelling execution to be a hindrance to my full enjoyment. Five different points of view proved challenging, especially as only Flora and Emilia’s narratives intersected, essentially presenting five distinct storylines. Some plotlines captured my interest more than others. Nonetheless, I got some valuable insights from the book and am in awe of the resilience demonstrated by these women amid their harrowing experiences.
At the end of the book, it lists real events and people mentioned in the story. Overall, I really recommend this book. The writing is great, easy to read, and creates vivid pictures, making it a fascinating read, especially for people who like historical fiction.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Published May 10th 2022 by Alcove Press
Glimmer by Marjorie B. Kellogg is a pseudo-dystopian novel set in New York City in 2110, where climate change has altered the city’s landscape, mostly flooding and practically destroying it. Those who could escape did, and those left behind bonded and created some sort of faction, akin to “Water World,” called dens.
The titular character, Glimmer, is simply a name that she gave herself and who seems to have lost her memory—narrating the grim situation of the city and the world entire, and her life in Unca Joe’s den. I do love Glimmer as a character. She’s charming, intelligent, and incredibly resolute. She’s a young adult who consistently makes admirable decisions.
The author’s world-building in this narrative presents a scenario highlighting humanity’s vulnerability on Earth, emphasizing the urgency for us to unite and take action before it’s too late. Several elements mentioned reflect ongoing issues in different regions globally. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there was widespread panic-buying and hoarding of supplies, illustrating the detrimental impact of selfishness. In “Glimmer,” the depicted situation is even more severe, prompting readers to contemplate its implications.
It took me a while to finish Glimmer. The first half was sluggish and not as engaging, but the premise is interesting enough for me to push through. After the very slow beginning, the pacing started to pick up, and the story morphed into something scary, exciting, and thought-provoking. There are many great scenes here, especially when the group came together to move into a new home within the city. It was heart-racing and heartwarming at the same time.
I do love the relevance of this book on what’s happening in the world now. I commend the extensive research put into it as the scenarios depicted are all plausible, with some even occurring currently. While the slow pacing at the beginning may require perseverance, I can guarantee that it ultimately offers a compelling and well-crafted narrative. Although the ending may feel sudden, it becomes inconsequential once you reach the conclusion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Published October 19th 2021 by Daw Books
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Daw Books, via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.
About the Author Writer and scenic designer Marjorie Bradley Kellogg lives in Franklin, NY, where she is the editor of The New Franklin Register. She is the author of Glimmer, A Rumor of Angels, Harmony, The Dragon Quartet, and Lear’s Daughters. She has designed scenery for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and for resident theatres across the country and in Europe, receiving many industry awards for her work. She taught at Princeton and Columbia and was Associate Professor of Theater at Colgate University from 1995 to 2017.
I had three days off last week, and I finally got the time to read this debut by Freya Marske. Billed as Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, A Marvellous Light features an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies. It was absolutely delightful!
Robin Blyth has just been named the new civil service liaison to a hidden magical society. He is assigned to work in a government office that liaises between magic users and the Prime Minister of Edwardian England. His new job suddenly turned dangerous when he was targeted for something involving his predecessor and had the misfortune to be under a curse. And it’s up to his official counterpart, Edwin Courcey, to help reverse the curse.
The book touches on the social division between classes, race, sexuality, and magic-users over non-magic users (you get the drift). As a fantasy romance, you cannot ask for more. The author sure knows how to pack everything into this story! The whole premise of the book was just fantastic. It has impressive world-building, the entire magical system was engaging, and of course, the chemistry between Robin and Edwin – ugh. It was so much fun to read. I loved the adorable scenes between them, including the sexy times, which are totally off the charts!
I guess my only qualm about this book is its misogynistic undertone. I am not sure if it’s just me or if I’m reading too much into it, but there’s just some commentary that I’d rather ignore since I didn’t think that I would enjoy it as much as I did.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Kindle Edition, 377 pages Published November 2nd 2021 by Tordotcom
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tordotcom, via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.
About The Author Freya Marske lives in Australia, where she is yet to be killed by any form of wildlife. She writes stories full of magic, blood, and as much kissing as she can get away with, and she co-hosts the Hugo Award nominated podcast Be the Serpent. Her hobbies include figure skating and discovering new art galleries, and she is on a quest to try all the gin in the world. Her debut novel, the queer historical fantasy A MARVELLOUS LIGHT, is forthcoming from Tor.Com Publishing in 2021.
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